Spitz absent again from WSU practice

FROM PULLMAN -- Washington State began its preparation for Oregon earlier this afternoon, going through a two-hour session of scout work and special teams drills. They did all of it without an offensive lineman who had returned to the team only two days prior. Read on.

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Dan Spitz, who practiced on Sunday for the first time in two weeks, was once again absent from the practice field on Tuesday. When asked about it afterward, coach Mike Leach first said Spitz's status hadn't changed. When asked if Spitz was still on the team, Leach said: "As far as I know. I haven’t heard how he’s reconciled all his stuff, so I don't know." Leach declined to comment on what the "stuff" is that needs "reconciling," and offensive line coach Clay McGuire said he didn't know Spitz's status, either. So, back to where we were before Sunday, apparently. ... Elsewhere on the offensive line, Wade Jacobson came out in pads and warmed up with the group before heading to the sand pit for some conditioning drills. He remained there for the duration of practice. In his place, Matt Goetz played at right guard and Jake Rodgers moved to right tackle. Taylor Meighen and Zach Brevick also saw some reps during scout session.

... Connor Halliday continues to take the bulk of the reps, though Jeff Tuel saw his fair share, too. The first-team offense and first-team defense squared off briefly toward the end of practice, with the offense winning the competition (though it was difficult to tell exactly what the objective was). Gino Simone let out a rather loud yell of accomplishment as the defense was forced to perform up-downs. ... Theron West has been chosen to simulate De'Anthony Thomas on the scout team, likely due to his speed and shiftiness.